Caitlin Clark Runs Away With All-Star Votes — But Why Is Angel Reese So Far Behind?
NEW YORK, NY — The WNBA’s first return of All-Star voting results is in, and the early numbers are making waves.
Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has taken a commanding lead with a staggering 515,993 votes, solidifying her place as the league’s current fan favorite. But what’s raising just as many eyebrows is the standing of her college rival and fellow rookie standout Angel Reese, who ranks 13th overall with 173,363 votes.
With both players among the most high-profile athletes to enter the league in recent years — and with their college rivalry still fresh in fans’ minds — the discrepancy has sparked a debate: Why is Caitlin Clark running away with the vote, while Angel Reese lags behind?
🗳️ The Early Numbers: Dominance at the Top
Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) — 515,993 votes
A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) — PR in 2nd place
Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum round out the top 5
Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) — 173,363 votes — ranked 13th overall
Clark’s vote total not only leads all players, but it more than doubles that of her nearest competitors — a rare feat, especially for a rookie. It also puts her on pace to become the most-voted WNBA player of all time if trends hold.
🌟 Star Power, Media Coverage, and Market Impact
Several factors contribute to Clark’s commanding lead:
Media Exposure: Clark has been the subject of extensive national media coverage since her historic college career at Iowa, including prime-time games, record-breaking viewership, and endorsements.
Fan Engagement: Her move to the WNBA has only amplified her following. The Indiana Fever now regularly see some of the highest viewership ratings and attendance figures in the league, largely driven by Clark’s presence.
Narrative Momentum: Clark’s underdog-to-icon story, combined with her record-breaking stats and her often-humble demeanor, has endeared her to a wide cross-section of casual and die-hard basketball fans alike.
🤔 But What About Angel Reese?
Angel Reese, the former LSU star who led her team to a national title in 2023 and dubbed herself the “Bayou Barbie,” is no stranger to attention. She’s charismatic, bold, unapologetic — and highly marketable. So why the voting gap?
1. Team Performance:
The Chicago Sky, while competitive, haven’t had the national spotlight the same way Indiana has since Clark’s arrival. Team visibility matters in fan voting, and the Fever have become must-see TV.
2. Media Polarization:
Reese has often been the subject of polarized media coverage. Her confidence and willingness to speak her mind resonate with many — but also draw criticism in a way Clark largely avoids.
3. Voting System & Fanbase Dynamics:
The WNBA All-Star vote is fan-driven, and Clark’s online fanbase — many of whom followed her from the NCAA — has mobilized effectively. Reese’s supporters may not be voting in the same volume yet, despite her surging popularity on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
🏀 On the Court: Both Are Making Noise
Despite the voting gap, both Clark and Reese have impressed during their rookie campaigns.
Clark is averaging over 16 points and 6 assists per game, while showing flashes of elite playmaking and deep shooting range.
Reese has become a double-double machine, consistently among the league leaders in rebounds, and recently set a WNBA rookie record for consecutive double-doubles.
Their talent is undeniable. Their fan bases are passionate. And both are elevating the league in different — but equally powerful — ways.
🗣️ The WNBA Reacts
Social media has exploded with reactions to the voting results:
“Caitlin Clark is HER. Simple.”
“Why is Angel Reese 13th? She’s been DOMINATING!”
“The media and fanbase bias is wild. Both deserve to be top 5.”
Some fans argue the disparity highlights deeper issues in sports media, marketing, and the way we uplift different personalities — especially within women’s sports.
Others see it as a simple reflection of the voting process: Clark has more visibility right now, and that matters in fan-driven rankings.
🏁 What Happens Next?
Voting for the WNBA All-Star Game continues over the next few weeks. Final selections will include input from coaches, media, and players — meaning fan votes aren’t the only factor.
If current trends continue, expect to see Clark not only make the roster but start — possibly as the leading vote-getter in league history. Reese, meanwhile, still has time to climb the ranks, and a strong second-half performance could seal her place in the showcase.
Either way, the league wins.
“This is just the beginning for both of them,” said ESPN’s Andraya Carter. “The rivalry. The respect. The ratings. Wome
n’s basketball is on fire — and these two are at the center of it.”
